Teleoperation

Definition - What does Teleoperation mean?

Teleoperation is the technical term for the operation of a machine, system or robot from a distance. The distance involved could vary from millions of kilometers as in space applications, to centimeters as in microsurgery or in micro-applications. Teleoperations most commonly consists of technology in which a remote robot is controlled by a human operator.

Techopedia explains Teleoperation

Teleoperations have been used in areas where manual control is not feasible, is too expensive or is hazardous.

There are three main classifications used to distinguish the vast areas of teleoperation:

Closed-loop control

Coordinated teleoperation

Supervisory control

In closed-loop control or direct teleoperation, with the help of analog signals as well as real-time feedback, the operator controls the actuators of the device. Delays in the closed-loop technique are often minimal. In coordinated teleoperation, the operator has similar control over the actuators as in closed-loop control, however there is an additional internal control known as the remote loop. The remote loops close the control loops that the operator finds difficult to control due to delays. No autonomy is possible in the remote end. In supervisory control, most of the control is situated on the side of the teleoperator. The operator usually monitors and provides high-level commands, whereas the teleoperator performs some parts of the tasks in an autonomous fashion.